as_o convince_a as_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._n the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n 1_o they_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o prophet_n for_o thereby_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o that_o they_o therein_o be_v not_o deceive_v 3_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o 2_o they_o give_v positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 1_o from_o their_o fortitude_n 2_o from_o their_o wisdom_n 3_o from_o their_o prediction_n 4_o from_o their_o miracle_n here_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v observe_v 1_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n 2_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o 3_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1_o from_o their_o nature_n 2_o from_o their_o number_n 3_o from_o their_o greatness_n 4_o from_o their_o goodness_n thereby_o they_o confer_v on_o man_n 1_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n 2_o of_o the_o body_n 3_o of_o the_o soul_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 1_o this_o deduce_v therefrom_o the_o leviathan_n deny_v it_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o opinion_n answer_v the_o second_o reason_n answer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 2_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o old_a testament_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o doubt_n about_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o act_n these_o book_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o leviathan_n object_n 2._o object_n 3._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n sect._n 3_o the_o treatise_n thereof_o ascribe_v as_o much_o thereunto_o as_o pelagius_n do_v to_o free_a will_n it_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophetic_a office_n the_o impiety_n of_o it_o reason_n itself_o condemn_v it_o a_o objection_n out_o of_o that_o treatise_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sect._n 4_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a hope_n sect._n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o objection_n draw_v from_o experience_n another_o from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o general_n resurrection_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 6_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n whence_o do_v this_o obligation_n arise_v 1_o not_o from_o our_o weakness_n 2_o not_o from_o god_n sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n god_n right_a of_o it_o a_o view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o our_o redemption_n christ_n conquer_v the_o devil_n at_o all_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n we_o be_v therefore_o his_o by_o right_n of_o conquest_n christ_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v a_o question_n another_o question_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n oblige_v we_o by_o both_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o by_o that_o of_o authority_n 2_o by_o that_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o redemption_n 2_o the_o satisfactoriness_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n 3_o the_o incomparable_a encouragement_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o conclusion_n rev._n 19_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n chap._n i._n that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o assent_v be_v so_o manifest_a as_o that_o scepticism_n itself_o can_v doubt_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_o build_v on_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a who_o can_v be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n without_o assent_n it_o seem_v therefore_o certain_a that_o the_o mind_n assent_v and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v at_o least_o improve_v without_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_v without_o word_n and_o word_n without_o testimony_n signify_v nothing_o be_v it_o not_o for_o testimony_n the_o wise_a of_o word_n and_o the_o most_o inarticulate_a of_o sound_n will_v be_v to_o we_o equal_o significant_a so_o that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v behold_v 16_o to_o testimony_n they_o be_v if_o not_o found_v on_o it_o yet_o unattainable_a without_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o those_o who_o traduce_v our_o religion_n as_o fond_a credulity_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o testimony_n be_v therein_o very_o disingenuous_o partial_a and_o irrational_a especial_o consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o so_o plain_a but_o that_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o predicate_v will_v need_v some_o explication_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v either_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o give_v or_o else_o that_o which_o his_o witness_n do_v bear_v of_o he_o of_o the_o former_a 33._o st._n john_n speak_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o revelation_n here_o in_o my_o text_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v evident_a by_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n the_o drift_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o word_n they_o be_v to_o st._n john_n be_v fellow-servant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n fall_v at_o the_o angel_n foot_n to_o worship_n he_o but_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o of_o which_o prohibition_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n sure_o they_o be_v those_o who_o jesus_n himself_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n viz._n the_o 8._o apostle_n of_o these_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n be_v fellow-servant_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o he_o allege_v my_o text_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n can_v be_v no_o way_n argumentative_a unless_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v understand_v to_o signify_v not_o that_o which_o jesus_n himself_o give_v but_o that_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v give_v of_o he_o but_o be_v thus_o take_v they_o import_v a_o twofold_a argument_n viz._n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la st._n john_n we_o know_v be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n a_o jew_n by_o birth_n one_o of_o that_o nation_n wherein_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v ten_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o low_a whereof_o be_v call_v ischim_n by_o the_o intervention_n and_o ministry_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o angel_n they_o say_v whether_o true_o or_o false_o i_o affirm_v 2._o not_o that_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o men._n these_o angel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v chief_o employ_v to_o prophesy_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o any_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o soul_n be_v â—ixt_v with_o and_o advance_v to_o this_o order_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v enroll_v among_o they_o if_o then_o this_o be_v a_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n s_o revelation_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o my_o text_n contain_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o angel_n argument_n do_v not_o lie_v so_o much_o in_o st._n john_n opinion_n as_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o prophesy_v concern_v thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a verse_n let_v we_o then_o but_o cast_v the_o
have_v forbid_v to_o make_v addition_n to_o or_o diminution_n from_o say_v thou_o shall_v neither_o add_v unto_o 32._o it_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o ancestor_n with_o who_o be_v peace_n have_v say_v from_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o a_o prophet_n to_o change_v any_o thing_n when_o therefore_o we_o know_v he_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o which_o he_o claim_v to_o himself_o to_o lie_v against_o god_n and_o to_o feign_v that_o of_o he_o which_o he_o never_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o kill_v he_o according_a to_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v while_o it_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o 20._o shall_v have_v add_v etc._n etc._n even_o that_o prophet_n shall_v die_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v when_o one_o invite_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o incite_v they_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o declare_v they_o shall_v observe_v the_o law_n and_o that_o without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n as_o the_o last_o of_o they_o have_v say_v remember_v 4_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n which_o i_o command_v unto_o he_o in_o horeb_n for_o all_o israel_n with_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n promise_v good_a to_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v and_o threaten_a punishment_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v break_v this_o law_n as_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n command_v and_o forbid_v thing_n different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o law_n as_o for_o example_n sake_n if_o he_o shall_v say_v drive_v out_o now_o that_o country_n or_o this_o faction_n as_o samuel_n of_o old_a command_v saul_n that_o he_o shall_v destroy_v amalek_n or_o if_o he_o prohibit_v the_o put_v one_o to_o death_n as_o eliâ—ha_n forbid_v jehoram_n to_o vanquish_v the_o host_n of_o hazael_n which_o have_v enter_v samaria_n as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o as_o isaiah_n forbid_v water_n to_o be_v convey_v within_o the_o wall_n and_o as_o jâ—remiah_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n tp_n go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n when_o therefore_o a_o prophet_n do_v claim_v to_o himself_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_n so_o as_o that_o he_o neither_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o idol_n nor_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v aught_o from_o the_o law_n but_o walk_v in_o other_o way_n in_o that_o manner_n we_o have_v explain_v than_o our_o next_o work_n be_v to_o try_v he_o thus_o far_o mâ—imenides_n concern_v those_o condition_n on_o which_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n and_o thereby_o we_o see_v that_o according_a to_o he_o admit_v they_o be_v not_o but_o on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1_o that_o they_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o we_o have_v already_o grant_v 2_o that_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n either_o in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n or_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o receive_v by_o tradition_n this_o rule_n how_o confident_o soever_o it_o be_v give_v yet_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o exception_n for_o first_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o law_n therein_o mention_v certain_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v thereby_o pretend_a and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o more_o full_o see_v what_o that_o be_v together_o with_o the_o improbability_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o pretend_v original_a of_o this_o explication_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o our_o cod_n author_n who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o law_n which_o come_v from_o god_n to_o moses_n come_v to_o he_o together_o with_o their_o interpretation_n first_o god_n speak_v the_o text_n unto_o he_o and_o then_o the_o explication_n or_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o what_o the_o authentic_a text_n itself_o comprehend_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v they_o to_o israel_n be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o describe_v unto_o thou_o moses_n be_v go_v into_o his_o tent_n the_o first_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o be_v aaron_n to_o who_o he_o tell_v the_o text_n which_o be_v give_v he_o from_o god_n and_o teach_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o have_v place_v himself_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o moses_n eleazar_n and_o ithamar_n his_o son_n come_v in_o to_o who_o also_o moses_n tell_v the_o same_o he_o have_v tell_v to_o aaron_n they_o than_o rise_v and_o go_v one_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o moses_n our_o master_n the_o other_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o aaron_n afterward_o the_o seventy_o elder_n come_v in_o who_o also_o moses_n teach_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n after_o they_o a_o promiscuous_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n viz._n every_o one_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o to_o he_o also_o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o till_o they_o all_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o he_o and_o now_o aaron_n have_v hear_v the_o text_n four_o time_n from_o moses_n his_o son_n twice_o the_o elder_n twice_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n once_o then_o moses_n go_v out_o from_o they_o and_o the_o text_n which_o aaron_n have_v hear_v four_o time_n from_o moses_n he_o repeat_v to_o all_o that_o be_v present_a so_o that_o now_o his_o son_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o have_v hear_v it_o four_o time_n thrice_o from_o moses_n and_o once_o from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o himself_o also_o withdraw_v and_o eleazâ—r_n and_o ithamar_n repeat_v the_o same_o text_n which_o they_o have_v so_o hear_v to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o they_o rise_v up_o from_o teach_v and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o seventy_o elder_n also_o have_v now_o hear_v the_o text_n four_o time_n twice_o from_o moses_n once_o from_o aaron_n and_o once_o from_o his_o son_n then_o they_o also_o repeat_v it_o once_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o all_o hear_v it_o four_o time_n firâ—t_o from_o moses_n second_o from_o aaron_n three_o from_o his_o son_n and_o four_a from_o the_o seventy_o elder_n who_o then_o depart_v some_o teach_v some_o and_o some_o other_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n messenger_n the_o text_n they_o write_v in_o volume_n then_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o all_o israel_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o until_o they_o remember_v the_o text_n and_o can_v read_v it_o in_o writing_n afterward_o they_o teach_v they_o also_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n it_o sâ—lf_o which_o come_v from_o god_n which_o interpretation_n contain_v the_o universal_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o the_o text_n they_o commit_v to_o writing_n but_o the_o tradition_n to_o memory_n and_o have_v they_o not_o all_o good_a memory_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o yes_o sure_o for_o moses_n they_o say_v bring_v no_o lâ—ss_o than_o 613_o precept_n together_o with_o their_o interpretation_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o necessity_n we_o know_v the_o comment_n must_v be_v large_a than_o the_o text_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o at_o once_o and_o they_o at_o four_o time_n hear_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o repeat_v it_o yet_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o they_o do_v it_o so_o exact_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o text_n nor_o its_o interpretation_n lose_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o perfection_n or_o authority_n for_o not_o the_o text_n only_o but_o the_o interpretation_n too_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n and_o thus_o as_o our_o author_n inform_v as_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n the_o law_n that_o be_v write_v and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o ibid._n word_n of_o mouth_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o they_o just_a as_o the_o papist_n do_v now_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v the_o sess_z holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n with_o equal_a affection_n of_o piâ—ty_n and_o reverence_n but_o be_v not_o this_o tradition_n more_o liable_a to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n than_o the_o text_n be_v yes_o sure_o for_o maimonides_n himself_o insinuate_v that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n there_o be_v some_o small_a dissension_n about_o it_o but_o that_o be_v appease_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n he_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o overlive_v he_o and_o they_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v it_o one_o to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o the_o great_a synagogue_n at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o stir_v as_o that_o that_o council_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v decree_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o then_o safe_a and_o therefore_o rabbenu_fw-fr hakkadosh_n about_o 18_o generation_n afterward_o gather_v together_o the_o sentence_n and_o say_n thereof_o aâ—d_v compose_v the_o mishna_n which_o contain_v the_o explication_n of_o all_o
accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n for_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n be_v man_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o conscience_n and_o lewd_a a_o addiction_n as_o that_o they_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n though_o they_o profess_v friendship_n 18._o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n their_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n their_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n and_o they_o do_v mind_n earthly_a thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a 19_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v be_v viz._n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o this_o their_o perverse_a â—_o supposition_n do_v doubtless_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v merchandise_n of_o other_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o they_o seek_v not_o they_o but_o they_o not_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o welfare_n but_o their_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o temporal_a interest_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o thereby_o this_o be_v their_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v that_o their_o power_n be_v only_o persuasive_a not_o coercive_a it_o will_v be_v their_o best_a way_n to_o adapt_v a_o religion_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n according_o we_o find_v that_o the_o contemplative_a and_o studious_a they_o allure_v with_o great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n about_o no_o man_n know_v what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n which_o 1._o they_o divide_v into_o a_o ogdoad_n a_o decad_n and_o a_o dodecad_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v fables_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n which_o minister_v question_n 19_o rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n which_o be_v in_o faith_n the_o fiction_n of_o which_o fable_n and_o genealogy_n they_o steal_v out_o of_o antiphanes_n his_o theogony_n so_o likewise_o they_o do_v divers_a of_o their_o precept_n out_o of_o heathen_a philosophy_n for_o their_o practical_a divinity_n consist_v in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n 20._o of_o man_n touch_v not_o 〈◊〉_d not_o handle_v not_o tertullian_n therefore_o say_v of_o the_o heretic_n that_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o a_o stoical_a platonical_a and_o dialectical_a 8._o christianity_n herewith_o they_o entertain_v the_o studious_a but_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o allow_v of_o the_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o according_o so_o 23._o they_o do_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lust_n indifferent_a and_o herein_o their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n 12._o which_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o so_o infectious_o wicked_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v as_o that_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o some_o danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o vain_a word_n into_o a_o opinion_n that_o fornication_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n avarice_n and_o filthiness_n obscene_a and_o foolish_a talk_n and_o jest_n be_v thing_n 6_o lawful_a or_o at_o most_o but_o venial_a sin_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o to_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o rigorous_a and_o austere_a they_o pretend_v to_o great_a mortification_n and_o severity_n of_o live_v other_o christian_n indulge_v themselves_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o meat_n without_o distinction_n but_o these_o be_v more_o mortify_v than_o so_o they_o do_v forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n the_o appetite_n of_o 3_o the_o flesh_n be_v so_o hateful_a and_o impure_a in_o their_o sight_n as_o that_o they_o think_v marriage_n and_o the_o better_a â—orts_n of_o meat_n too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o they_o yâ—a_o such_o be_v their_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o that_o some_o of_o they_o say_v marriage_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o of_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o live_a creature_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n of_o perfect_a continence_n they_o seduce_v many_o and_o no_o wonder_n â—3_n since_o they_o be_v such_o mortified_a man_n who_o will_v not_o take_v they_o for_o saint_n with_o these_o bait_n do_v these_o cunning_a angler_n fish_n for_o christian_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o all_o inclination_n the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v yet_o zealous_a of_o 20._o the_o law_n they_o entice_v by_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v their_o law_n for_o they_o teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n and_o keep_v the_o law_n you_o can_v be_v save_v by_o this_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o 24._o do_v conciliate_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o those_o that_o believe_v who_o partly_o for_o fear_n of_o prosecution_n from_o their_o unbelieve_a countryman_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o old_a religion_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o swallow_v their_o poison_n whereunto_o also_o they_o add_v several_a ingredient_n of_o most_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o even_o in_o st._n john_n time_n many_o deceiver_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o because_o 7._o 30._o other_o think_v he_o be_v they_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o he_o that_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o name_n they_o may_v reach_v out_o this_o their_o bitter_a poison_n unto_o they_o which_o poison_n they_o sweeten_v with_o pretence_n it_o be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o useful_a to_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dregs_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n for_o their_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n they_o have_v the_o confidence_n 21._o to_o call_v science_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o from_o a_o pretend_a excellency_n of_o knowledge_n they_o lay_v peculiar_a claim_n to_o the_o title_n of_o gnostic_n know_v man_n as_o if_o none_o no_o not_o st._n paul_n or_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v plead_v a_o equality_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n for_o they_o boast_v that_o 9_o they_o know_v more_o than_o all_o man_n else_o and_o knowledge_n we_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o invite_v as_o that_o it_o have_v no_o enemy_n but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o scarce_o any_o so_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o desire_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n even_o to_o eve_n in_o innocence_n when_o doubtless_o her_o knowledge_n be_v complete_o suit_v to_o her_o innocence_n yet_o even_o then_o â—he_v judge_v the_o forbid_a 6._o fruit_n desirable_a because_o it_o will_v make_v one_o wise_a we_o be_v true_a have_v lose_v her_o innocence_n but_o not_o the_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n no_o marvel_n then_o if_o with_o this_o pretence_n they_o allure_v many_o especial_o consider_v that_o though_o their_o wisdom_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a yet_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v from_o above_o it_o come_v not_o of_o blood_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o devil_n in_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n hide_v his_o lie_n under_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o say_v irenaeus_n do_v all_o heretic_n what_o though_o as_o polycarp_n observe_v they_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o phil_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o lust_n yâ—t_v it_o appear_v thereby_o they_o father_v their_o lie_n upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n from_o who_o also_o as_o they_o pretend_v their_o fable_n sometime_o descend_v by_o tradition_n and_o sometime_o by_o revelation_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o baffle_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o accuse_v they_o of_o such_o depravation_n insufficience_n variety_n and_o obscurity_n as_o that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o therein_o be_v find_v by_o any_o that_o know_v not_o tradition_n and_o by_o tradition_n they_o understand_v not_o as_o other_o do_v that_o which_o every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o christian_n 3._o be_v believe_v but_o a_o more_o secret_a delivery_n of_o truth_n down_o from_o one_o to_o another_o not_o by_o write_v but_o by_o 2._o word_n of_o mouth_n thus_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n they_o be_v neither_o for_o paul_n nor_o apollo_n no_o nor_o yet_o for_o cephas_n but_o for_o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v transmit_v such_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o he_o withhold_v
these_o evangelist_n shall_v write_v without_o their_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n especial_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n faith_n s._n mark_v gospel_n may_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v wont_n to_o ascribe_v 5_o unto_o st._n paul_n insomuch_o that_o st._n hierom_n it_o seem_v affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n 16._o paul_n call_v his._n what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n have_v 58._o there_o be_v in_o these_o assertion_n if_o these_o evangelist_n have_v not_o have_v at_o least_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o approve_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v by_o st._n john_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o eusebius_n report_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n inform_v we_o that_o when_o the_o write_n of_o these_o evangelist_n be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o his_o testimony_n to_o their_o truth_n only_o â—e_v desire_v that_o in_o these_o write_n there_o â—ad_v be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o that_o be_v say_v be_v true_a for_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v that_o these_o thrâ—â—_n evangelist_n viz._n st._n matthew_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v only_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o captivity_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n they_o say_v therefore_o that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n bathe_v deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n 24._o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n â—ad_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o the_o baptist_n a_o observation_n not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n but_o at_o present_a we_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o beginning_n viz._n that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o add_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n which_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o church_n by_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o credible_a because_o justin_n martyr_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n call_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o commemoration_n â—apâ—usculè_fw-la or_o narration_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o as_o tertullian_n faith_n the_o evangelical_n instrument_n â—ad_v for_o its_o â—_z the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o lord_n impose_v the_o office_n of_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n or_o if_o apostolical_a man_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v suspect_v of_o vain_a glory_n if_o it_o have_v not_o â—ad_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n yea_o of_o christ_n 2._o who_o make_v the_o apostle_n master_n to_o assist_v it_o and_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n muâ—â—_n needs_o be_v divine_a lucae_n the_o author_n of_o they_o write_v as_o origen_n faith_n by_o inspiration_n and_o so_o clear_a have_v this_o argument_n heretofore_o be_v think_v by_o its_o own_o light_n as_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o of_o whosoever_o a_o prophet_n bear_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophâ—t_n 9_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o prophet_n neither_o shall_v there_o any_o far_a trial_n be_v make_v of_o he_o since_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n and_o do_v either_o write_v or_o approve_v of_o and_o authorize_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o also_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o cease_v from_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v divine_a 1_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a faith_n the_o leviathan_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n though_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o 33._o to_o who_o god_n himself_o â—ath_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o anâ—_n it_o be_v manifest_a yes_o that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a but_o i_o pray_v what_o make_v it_o so_o why_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o he_o have_v power_n enough_o over_o you_o to_o make_v you_o think_v so_o for_o he_o be_v â—o_o authentic_a a_o teacher_n as_o that_o he_o often_o suggett_v such_o principle_n as_o this_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o this_o you_o must_v take_v although_o perhaps_o you_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o be_v so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o little_a postulatum_fw-la you_o spoil_v all_o and_o leave_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o there_o be_v one_o before_o you_o for_o what_o be_v knowledge_n but_o a_o firm_a certain_a and_o evident_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o that_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v all_o these_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v firm_a because_o without_o hesitation_n and_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o build_v upon_o such_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n as_o can_v be_v make_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v evident_o and_o plain_o deduce_v from_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o philosopher_n it_o be_v knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n firm_a assent_n to_o first_o principle_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v attain_v be_v sufficient_a for_o learner_n so_o here_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o premise_n requisite_a to_o our_o attainment_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o have_v need_v only_o to_o be_v firm_a because_o firmness_n of_o assent_n thereunto_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o although_o illiterate_a do_v yet_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o they_o do_v although_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o because_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o and_o vogue_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o man_n it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v steadfast_a i._n e._n their_o assent_n firm_a they_o we_o see_v do_v learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o supernatural_o reveal_v that_o they_o be_v his_o nor_o that_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o 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please_v to_o reveal_v it_o iâ—_n public_a it_o be_v the_o authority_n 33._o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v deny_v his_o dilemma_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o send_v his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n his_o herald_n viz._n the_o apostle_n to_o proclaim_v his_o gracious_a law_n and_o if_o they_o give_v evidence_n as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v of_o this_o their_o immediate_a mission_n from_o he_o then_o be_v these_o his_o law_n so_o sufficient_o publish_v as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v himself_o by_o say_v he_o know_v not_o or_o can_v not_o know_v they_o be_v his_o and_o sinâ—e_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o publish_v according_a to_o the_o leviathan_n own_o concâ—ssion_n they_o a_o e_z law_n tâ—_n ibid._n they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v they_o be_v without_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v divine_a sect._n 3_o but_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n and_o his_o dangerous_a position_n let_v we_o look_v a_o little_a into_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n wherein_o we_o find_v pelagianism_n in_o a_o disguise_n or_o free_a will_n in_o maskerade_n for_o one_o of_o the_o error_n of_o pelagius_n be_v quòd_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la propriam_fw-la possit_fw-la confer_v salutem_fw-la arbitra_fw-la libertas_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la gratia_n desit_fw-la 1._o that_o a_o man_n own_o free_a will_n even_o without_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o salvation_n and_o so_o say_v this_o treatise_n be_v humane_a reason_n for_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o guide_n to_o happiness_n can_v bring_v the_o author_n thereof_o no_o other_o but_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o say_v he_o if_o it_o 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other_o guide_n you_o pitch_v on_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n spirit_n church_n past_a or_o present_a or_o any_o thing_n else_o imaginable_a it_o be_v therefore_o somewhat_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o our_o reason_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o that_o treatise_n will_v have_v we_o take_v for_o our_o infallible_a guide_n to_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o be_v our_o guide_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o what_o a_o guide_n and_o take_v direction_n this_o be_v such_o a_o solecism_n as_o evacuate_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o guide_n and_o speak_v it_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o way_n or_o at_o least_o not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o since_o than_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n not_o a_o guide_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a one_o in_o the_o way_n to_o 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can_v admit_v of_o no_o demonstration_n but_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v make_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la yet_o not_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o thing_n novel_a and_o anomalous_a such_o as_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n purposely_o design_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a far_o more_o decent_a and_o proper_a than_o any_o other_o because_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o conciliate_n authority_n to_o his_o word_n by_o make_v 5._o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o to_o show_v that_o this_o demonstration_n be_v abundant_o make_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v write_v on_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o command_n lay_v on_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n be_v by_o i_o humble_o offer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n view_n and_o have_v attain_v thereunto_o your_o lordship_n it_o seem_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o read_v over_o as_o much_o as_o your_o lordship_n time_n will_v give_v leave_n and_o then_o to_o return_v it_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o i_o for_o my_o good_a pain_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o wise_o place_v on_o so_o worthy_a a_o theme_n together_o with_o such_o other_o expression_n of_o your_o lordship_n approbation_n as_o neither_o i_o do_v expect_v nor_o as_o i_o fear_v do_v the_o treatise_n deserve_v but_o i_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n judgement_n and_o have_v i_o not_o so_o do_v this_o treatise_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o obscurity_n with_o its_o author_n but_o have_v that_o encouragement_n i_o think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o all_o elation_n or_o dejection_n of_o mind_n at_o the_o various_a censure_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v pass_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v 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your_o lordship_n very_a much_o oblige_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o humble_a observance_n w._n h._n to_o the_o reader_n in_o this_o treatise_n you_o will_v find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n put_v together_o in_o one_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o either_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o other_o than_o a_o prophet_n or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o high_a a_o degree_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o immediate_a illumination_n for_o be_v hypostatical_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o have_v such_o communication_n of_o knowledge_n therefrom_o as_o be_v vouchsase_v to_o no_o other_o man_n whatever_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n have_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n find_v it_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n for_o he_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o so_o he_o do_v lie_v we_o know_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n whoever_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o sort_n suppose_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o whatever_o religion_n be_v divine_a must_v needs_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v if_o reveal_v than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n because_o prophecy_n be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o reveal_v truth_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v dispense_v unto_o we_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o positive_a truth_n of_o god_n beside_o or_o above_o what_o be_v natural_a can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o a_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o we_o since_o therefore_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o christianity_n do_v most_o high_o befriend_v natural_a theology_n yet_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n be_v reveal_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n yet_o among_o the_o many_o good_a book_n that_o have_v either_o heretofore_o or_o late_o be_v write_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v neither_o see_v nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o purposely_o write_v and_o direct_o design_v to_o make_v good_a this_o principle_n i_o can_v not_o but_o somewhat_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o this_o my_o desire_n do_v at_o length_n vent_v itself_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o the_o text_n you_o find_v prefix_v to_o this_o treatise_n and_o this_o sermon_n i_o resolve_v on_o a_o occasion_n give_v i_o by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o transcribe_v and_o enlarge_v in_o that_o method_n which_o be_v there_o propose_v and_o you_o will_v find_v here_o observe_v from_o this_o undertake_n the_o slenderness_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o oriental_a language_n and_o learning_n do_v a_o long_a time_n deter_v i_o but_o consider_v that_o beside_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o diversion_n from_o less_o please_a employment_n i_o write_v it_o only_o for_o his_o lordship_n perusal_n who_o i_o know_v have_v goodness_n enough_o to_o pardon_v my_o defect_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o discover_v they_o i_o reassume_v my_o former_a resolution_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o look_v more_o narrow_o than_o former_o i_o have_v do_v into_o those_o book_n which_o i_o have_v that_o be_v likely_a to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o custom_n and_o method_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o principal_a mean_n and_o method_n observe_v by_o that_o people_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_v even_o before_o i_o have_v that_o idea_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o do_v conjecture_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o project_v but_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o find_v without_o control_n for_o many_o age_n among_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o conjecture_n the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n do_v i_o hope_v make_v manifest_a by_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v what_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v which_o i_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v his_o curiosity_n exceed_v i_o yet_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o that_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n wherein_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v 5._o unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v this_o 22._o prophecy_n i_o find_v by_o st._n peter_n apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o particular_a and_o by_o st._n stephen_n 37._o to_o the_o evangelical_n state_n in_o general_a and_o from_o thence_o perhaps_o we_o may_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o this_o prediction_n do_v more_o especial_o pertain_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o single_a person_n only_o but_o of_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o accomplish_a in_o those_o that_o he_o send_v as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o viz._n the_o 21._o apostle_n whether_o
those_o etc._n precept_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o why_o be_v this_o comment_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o the_o text_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o preserve_v it_o entire_a without_o it_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v set_v cheek_n by_o jowl_n with_o the_o text_n itself_o be_v rabbie_a judah_n a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n no_o he_o live_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v cease_v among_o they_o his_o write_n therefore_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o truckle_n under_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v come_v together_o with_o those_o of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o god_n almighty_a yet_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n most_o easy_o subject_a to_o corruption_n change_n and_o depravation_n for_o the_o prevention_n whereof_o he_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a or_o no_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o after_o much_o less_o before_o he_o write_v they_o for_o by_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n without_o all_o doubt_n he_o do_v rather_o add_v unto_o then_o diminish_v their_o authority_n and_o true_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o he_o devise_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o god_n almighty_a for_o have_v there_o be_v such_o a_o explication_n as_o they_o say_v deliver_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n by_o moses_n to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n by_o they_o to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n by_o they_o to_o joshuâ—_n by_o he_o to_o the_o survive_a elder_n by_o they_o to_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n who_o deliver_v it_o from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o at_o least_o a_o thousand_o year_n have_v this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o that_o time_n they_o do_v not_o drop_v one_o word_n from_o their_o pen_n about_o it_o although_o certain_o they_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o so_o do_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o uphold_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n have_v do_v better_a than_o by_o reduce_v transgressor_n to_n that_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o that_o that_o fall_v out_o most_o unlucky_o be_v that_o this_o traditional_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v thwrat_fw-mi and_o contradict_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o by_o the_o prophet_n this_o wretched_a tradition_n restrain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o 5._o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o forbid_v no_o more_o than_o it_o express_v but_o the_o prophet_n sure_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o 14._o whence_o â—lse_o be_v it_o that_o they_o reprove_v they_o 6._o for_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n thus_o do_v the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n and_o this_o tradition_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o none_o â—ffâ—ct_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o manife_a that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o same_o hand_n can_v infinite_a wisdom_n speak_v contradiction_n or_o destroy_v what_o it_o build_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v it_o can_v since_o then_o this_o tradition_n explode_v the_o law_n instead_o of_o expound_v it_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o come_v not_o from_o god_n be_v it_o then_o likely_a that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o our_o author_n often_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o hold_v up_o its_o hand_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o perhaps_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o its_o keeper_n 9_o than_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v always_o imprison_v in_o a_o consistory_n where_o no_o man_n know_v what_o usage_n it_o have_v or_o how_o it_o may_v be_v dress_v up_o to_o serve_v the_o emergent_a exigence_n of_o prophecy_n be_v try_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n know_v only_o in_o a_o consistory_n and_o that_o consistory_n consist_v of_o man_n subject_a as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v to_o error_n and_o corruption_n the_o ark_n be_v more_o like_a to_o fall_v before_o dagon_n than_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n i_o mean_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v repel_v by_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n often_o than_o they_o correct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o vice_n to_o pretend_v to_o this_o tradition_n and_o for_o wickedness_n to_o plead_v prescription_n by_o this_o oral_a law_n for_o its_o protection_n and_o if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o consistory_n as_o too_o often_o they_o do_v or_o can_v make_v some_o friend_n there_o as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v they_o will_v certain_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o their_o concern_v than_o to_o neglect_v so_o fair_a a_o advantage_n and_o then_o if_o the_o consistory_n declare_v that_o tradition_n be_v for_o they_o that_o prophet_n must_v die_v who_o presume_v to_o speak_v against_o they_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o holiness_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n so_o apt_a to_o establish_v wickedness_n no_o it_o border_n upon_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o do_v piety_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n incline_v we_o to_o look_v on_o this_o tradition_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n at_o first_o invent_v to_o uphold_v the_o totter_a reputation_n of_o their_o magisterial_a rabbi_n and_o afterward_o improve_v and_o use_v to_o patronize_v their_o infidelity_n and_o justify_v their_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o this_o therefore_o we_o do_v utter_o reject_v but_o the_o other_o part_n of_o maimonides_n his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n unless_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v 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therefore_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v wherein_o our_o author_n say_v this_o rule_n be_v contain_v be_v yet_o unknown_a to_o we_o however_o assure_v we_o be_v that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n law_n because_o it_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o who_o bring_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o avouch_v their_o authority_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v in_o his_o name_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a but_o in_o case_n either_o of_o immutability_n in_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o the_o pretender_n to_o change_v it_o and_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o case_n now_o under_o debate_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o immutable_a for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o immutable_a reason_n this_o methinks_v maimonides_n himself_o must_v needs_o have_v confess_v if_o he_o have_v consider_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v we_o viz._n that_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o our_o law_n be_v to_o take_v away_o idolatry_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o after_o some_o digression_n he_o return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o say_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o many_o of_o our_o law_n become_v know_v to_o i_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faith_n rite_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o zabian_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o science_n be_v a_o great_a gate_n i._n e._n it_o serve_v much_o to_o let_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o precept_n for_o the_o
sea_n and_o land_n and_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o then_o lift_v itself_o up_o from_o thing_n below_o it_o soar_v aloft_o and_o so_o the_o air_n and_o its_o affection_n consider_v it_o fly_v high_a even_o to_o the_o sky_n and_o ride_v the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o bend_v its_o course_n with_o that_o of_o â—_o the_o wander_v and_o fix_a star_n in_o their_o dance_n after_o the_o music_n of_o the_o sphere_n it_o follow_v the_o love_n of_o wisdom_n as_o its_o leader_n and_o when_o it_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o sense_n it_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o come_v to_o that_o which_o reason_n only_o can_v perceive_v and_o when_o in_o that_o it_o contemplate_v the_o example_n and_o fair_a form_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o here_o fall_n under_o our_o sense_n be_v as_o man_n inflame_v with_o fury_n even_o bring_v asleep_a by_o a_o kind_n of_o modest_a drunkenness_n and_o fill_v with_o another_o desire_n and_o better_a love_n it_o partake_v of_o divine_a afflation_n thence_o its_o intelligence_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o supreme_a globe_n of_o thing_n perceive_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o great_a and_o omnipotent_a king_n himself_o yet_o while_o it_o covet_v to_o see_v he_o the_o pure_a and_o immix_v ray_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o of_o a_o torrent_n be_v so_o pour_v forth_o as_o that_o through_o their_o clarity_n and_o brightness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n the_o very_a sharpness_n of_o its_o sight_n wax_v dull_a and_o dim_a xophorson_n thus_o elegant_o do_v platonize_a philo_n display_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n and_o thereby_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n yet_o when_o it_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o maker_n it_o be_v strike_v with_o 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they_o by_o their_o fly_n noise_n or_o sit_v how_o fond_o ridiculous_a be_v it_o to_o fancy_n that_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o dearness_n to_o its_o maker_n for_o man_n in_o his_o creation_n be_v ally_v to_o god_n a_o creature_n so_o near_o conjoin_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o gracious_a with_o he_o as_o that_o in_o a_o sort_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o incredible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v he_o such_o thing_n as_o his_o most_o bountiful_a and_o indulgent_a creator_n think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v from_o he_o if_o then_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o be_v certain_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o that_o knowledge_n which_o at_o any_o time_n any_o man_n at_o first_o have_v of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a prediction_n ever_o be_v and_o still_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v infallible_a proof_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n since_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v author_n of_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v prophet_n hereof_o also_o we_o have_v yet_o another_o and_o great_a evidence_n viz._n their_o miracle_n that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o have_v already_o assert_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o 2._o that_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o each_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n consider_v single_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o fellow_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v wrought_v on_o some_o other_o occasion_n and_o to_o other_o purpose_n but_o consider_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o hereof_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o trivial_a argument_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o time_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o before_o but_o present_o after_o our_o saviour_n inauguration_n into_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v do_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o do_v miracle_n before_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o he_o do_v it_o till_o after_o his_o baptism_n and_o consecration_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a office_n of_o preach_v hereof_o sure_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n so_o probable_o be_v give_v as_o that_o because_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o this_o suffice_v not_o pray_v observe_v what_o he_o himself_o say_v to_o the_o nobleman_n of_o capernaum_n except_o 48._o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o that_o miracle_n be_v great_a inducement_n of_o assent_n but_o also_o that_o christ_n wrought_v his_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o thence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v belief_n if_o not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o work_n if_o say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n i._n e._n such_o as_o god_n only_o can_v do_v namely_o miracle_n then_o believe_v i_o not_o on_o this_o supposition_n he_o christen_v infidelity_n unblameable_a but_o again_o he_o say_v if_o i_o do_v the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n though_o 38._o you_o believe_v not_o i_o i._n e._n my_o word_n for_o my_o sake_n yet_o believe_v the_o work_n viz._n the_o purport_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o viz._n either_o by_o identity_n of_o nature_n or_o else_o at_o least_o by_o the_o energy_n of_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o i_o and_o most_o perfect_o obey_v by_o i_o this_o it_o seem_v in_o his_o judgement_n they_o may_v have_v know_v by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o be_v the_o work_v that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o 36._o finish_v they_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o do_v they_o 25._o in_o his_o name_n for_o it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o god_n will_v give_v power_n to_o a_o impostor_n to_o do_v such_o work_n in_o his_o name_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n wherein_o 20._o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 24._o they_o have_v not_o have_v
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v